I have a 2004 mazda 3 2.3L. It has about 85000 miles on it.

When I drive it before it gets up to operating temperature the engine flares between shifts. Especially at half or full throttle. Usually only for first to second or second to third gear.

Also if I accelerate slowly from a dead stop at about fifteen miles per hour it shifts hard from first to second gear. I've heard this is shift shock but I wanted you ask you guys about it too.

Does anyone have any advice about if/how I can fix these problems?

 

Is it an automatic transmission?
Ever change the fluid?
If you answered yes to question 1 and no to question 2, you could be in to very expensive fixing!

 

Iits an automatic. I changed the fluid just before the first of the year. The flaring was better for about two weeks and is now just as bad.

 

I think you may have changed the fluid too late.
Please phone a couple of transmission places for their opinion.

 

I'm afraid it is too. I bought the car used. It was a hot day and at operating temp so I didn't notice the flaring issue. Any other advice?

 

Engine flares? OMG, that sounds really bad. You should take it to a mechanic (preferably Mazda), so they can diagnose what the problem is and what needs to be fixed. I know it might be expensive, but it'll be worth it in the end.

 

Sillyko: It is absolutely predictable what the Mazda Dealer is going to tell him: get a new transmission or get a new Mazda.

Kfrgsn: Check the fluid level first, the correct way. I just described it in another thread.

2nd. Add "Lucas Oil Transmission Fix". It may buy you some time, or it may be a waste of $10.